Mall Security Frowns on Steampunk Shenanigans

This is an excerpt from an article by Pam Kragen, you can read the full text here.

“CARLSBAD — A group of adult carousel riders dressed in Victorian gowns, morning coats, bowler hats and pith helmets were kicked out of the Westfield Plaza Camino Real mall last week because security guards claimed their costumes violated mall rules.

About 25 members of the loosely organized SD Steamy Carousel Cavalry met at 1 p.m. Feb. 9 to enjoy the indoor mall’s old-fashioned, 18-animal carousel. But before the group of nattily attired adults in their 30s to 60s could mount the painted horses, bears and giraffes, a trio of mall security officers ushered them outside and called Oceanside police to ensure against a ruckus in the parking lot.

Members of the costumed group are furious over their eviction.

“These were mature people in Victorian finery with a little sci-fi edge,” said San Diego resident Mercy Baron, who is in her late 50s. “We were very civil, very polite, because we espouse Victorian manners … We were treated like criminals.”

Check out the rest of the article, including the petition this incident has sparked here.

Yes I heard about this from Prof. E on twitter – it’s utterly shocking bad stuff! As if there aren’t enough REAL crims out there to be dealing with? To be frank I find most of what the general populous wears utterly offensive but I don’t insist that they are removed from my line of vision. I accept their right to dress as they prefer and simply avert my own eyes. Grrr, enforced compliance with mundanity – gets my dander right up! 😦